Review of the IPad from the IPad

Much awaited IPad was launched today. Had already reserved one so went to pick it up in the morning from the Valley Fair mall location. Line was long and was extended to the outside of the mall but was moving fast. Within 15 minutes of waiting I was holding my first IPad in my hand.

Here is what I think about it after using it for a few hours.

Negatives


- not very ergonomic, slightly on the heavier side
- does not come with earphones (not a biggy though)
- very limited apps, will hopefully change
- there is no way to control keyboard. If IPad does not think the box is editable, there is no way you can bring up the keyboard
- some apps are free on the IPhone but not the IPad, for example fb app is 3 bucks for the IPad
- if you expect It to replace your computer, it WILL NOT

Positives

- great battery life
- cool gadget to own
- great for travel
- no contract on the data plan. Pay only when you use it
- excellent picture and video quality

Had to come back to my PC to draw the table below  (as I said, it cannot replace your computer :) )

	IPad	IPhone
Usefulness	+	-
Battery life	+	-
Data plan flexibility	+	-
Price	+	-
Weight	-	+
# of Apps	-	+
Ergonomic	-	+
Comes with Earphones	No	Yes
Phone	No	Yes
Camera	No	Yes
OVERALL	Good attempt J	WINNER

I personally don’t think IPad lived up to the buzz that was created around it.

Signing off
An admirer of Steve Jobs

Trip to Washington DC in March, 2010

This is why I hate #Hilton


Served me meat during Navraatri
I land at Washington DC and head straight to Hilton on Connecticut avenue in Washington. Was super hungry so picked up the phone and called in-room dining. Was on phone for at least 10 minutes and explained her that I do not want any meat in my food. Usually, I am not too picky but it was Navraatri (Indian Hindu Festival) during which most people do not eat meat for around 7 days. Plus I had strict instructions from my wife not to do it. Anyways, the food arrives and after eating half the sandwich I see some meat in it. Called up the rep and asked her the reason.
She: "Oh, I am so sorry. I did not know that the Tuscan sandwich had 2 types of meat - Prosciutto and Sopresso. I asked them to make a Tuscan sandwich without Prosciutto."
Me: "Can I talk to your manager?"
Manager: "I am so sorry, Sir. Can I offer you anything else? We have great fish dishes."
Me (not knowing if I should laugh, cry or be angry): "No, thank you very much. I don't like fish. Can you please send me a hot dog instead with a live dog in it?"      

Got trapped in the restroom

This is yet another reasons for my hating Hilton. 11 pm – time to go to bed, time for the final leak of the day. I go in the restroom, close the door behind. After relieving myself of worldly tensions I try to open the door and find myself trapped in that 6 x 6 room. Tried everything to open the sliding door but in vain. Believe me, I was scared. Then, I realized I had my IPhone in my pocket. Though was ashamed but still thought of calling the front desk to free myself from that trap. I said to myself – One final try and if that doesn’t work I will take Steve Jobs help. Finally, my grey cells did the trick and Mr. Hilton was unsuccessful in his futile attempt of confining me.

Things I loved in this trip

Washington DC

DC is a very lively place and you will love it even more if you are not renting/driving. I did this mistake in my previous trips and did not like it that much. Like Europe DC looks better on foot.

My IPhone

Though I have said this verbally many a times but now I will put this in writing that Steve Jobs has revolutionized the cell phone market my introducing a handheld genie called an IPhone. I got done at 4 pm on the 3^rd day and the sun was out. Thought of going on a run. Here is how my IPhone made my evening:

·        Interesting places to go running – Trail Guru app

·        Directions to that trail – Maps app

·        Take a picture of the beautiful landscape and send it to wife – Camera and MMS

·        Now I am hungry after running/walking for 5KM, suggest best nearby Indian restaurant (btw it suggested Rasika restaurant which was simply awesome) – Yelp app

·        Take me to Rasika – Maps app again

·        Done with Dinner, call taxi – Taxi Magic app

I am tired now and want to go to sleep, unfortunately there isn’t an app for that ….. yet.